Ford Fusion vs. Kia Optima
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion and Kia Optima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima.
When comparing the Ford Fusion's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Ford Fusion.
Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fusion a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room and front leg room. The Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space. The Ford Fusion and Kia Optima are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,170
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,348
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$22,095 - $35,995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,348
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$22,095 - $35,995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,866
Price Range:
$14,994 - $23,000
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$21,688
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$17,665 - $30,211
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
816
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
72,174
# Good or Great Deals:
281
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,665
Price Range:
$13,949 - $22,944
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$21,688
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$17,665 - $30,211
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
576
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
77,702
# Good or Great Deals:
232
Ford Fusion Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Optima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Fusion
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
5.3 - 9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
6.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Optima
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
5.3 - 9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.2 - 16.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.2 - 16.8
Ford Fusion Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Kia Optima Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Fusion Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
Kia Optima Trim Levels
EX, EX Premium, LX, S, Special Edition, SX Turbo
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 31 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
347 / 512 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3410 lbs
Width:
83.5 inches
Height:
58.1 inches
Length:
191.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3230 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Velocity Blue
Gray
Magnetic
Red
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Horizon Blue
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Sangria
Silver
Sparkling Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Brown
Medium Light Stone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Brown
Brown
Black
Black